Blessed Hope Bible-Presbyterian Church
500 Upper Bukit Timah Rd, Singapore 678106
William MacDonald observed well, “The churches of Asia refers to the congregations in the province of Asia (Asia Minor today), of which Ephesus was the capital.” Christian greetings conveying love and fellowship in the Lord.
The Apostle Paul received much joy in the fellowship of three from the church in Corinth who brought refreshing to him by their coming. He urged the church in Corinth to acknowledge the good work that they have wrought to strengthen himself and brought his greetings and prayers through them to the church in Corinth.
Matthew 6:9 (KJV) 9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Parable of the Ten Virgins
Matthew 25:1-13
Marriage is the oldest institution in the world and God intended it to be a happy one, a lifetime ahead of loving and cleaving. And the wedding marks the celebration and solemnisation into this honourable, exclusive, permanent and fulfilling partnership between the husband and the wife. And the time leading to the matrimony of the bride and the bridegroom is a process of preparation.
Our Lord Jesus presented a marriage scene in the parable of the ten virgins with the preparation leading up to a marriage to describe the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, the heavenly Bridegroom to take His bride, the true church to His heavenly home and a heavenly banquet.
William MacDonald observed insightfully, “The coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus had brought joy to Paul’s heart. They supplied what was lacking on the part of the Corinthians.”
William MacDonald said well, “The apostle exhorts the Christians to submit to such, and to everyone who helps in the work and labours.”
The household of Stephanas, the earliest converts in Achaia, addicted themselves to serve the people of God. The word “ministry” means “service”. Their service toward the people of God permeated the spirit of God’s love in the hearts of many. The church gained its strength for outreach because of the zeal and love of these founding members of the church there.
Hymns: RHC 34 Crown Him with Many Crowns, 136 Come, Ye Thankful People, 355 Day by Day
Psalm 76
1 To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm or Song of Asaph. In Judah is God known: his name is great in Israel. 2 In Salem also is his tabernacle, and his dwelling place in Zion. 3 There brake he the arrows of the bow, the shield, and the sword, and the battle. Selah. 4 Thou art more glorious and excellent than the mountains of prey. 5 The stouthearted are spoiled, they have slept their sleep: and none of the men of might have found their hands. 6 At thy rebuke, O God of Jacob, both the chariot and horse are cast into a dead sleep. 7 Thou, even thou, art to be feared: and who may stand in thy sight when once thou art angry? 8 Thou didst cause judgment to be heard from heaven; the earth feared, and was still, 9 When God arose to judgment, to save all the meek of the earth. Selah. 10 Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain. 11 Vow, and pay unto the LORD your God: let all that be round about him bring presents unto him that ought to be feared. 12 He shall cut off the spirit of princes: he is terrible to the kings of the earth. Psalms 76:1-12 (KJV)
COME YE THANKFUL PEOPLE
Charity is the outworking of God’s love in the believer’s life. When we come to the faith, the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. It enables us to love God and love our fellow men. This love is unconditional and sacrificial. It is supernaturally given by God in the hearts of His people.
The church is Corinth is exhorted to be watchful, for their soul’s sake, for their spiritual well-being. They are exhorted to stand fast, to keep up in building themselves up spiritually. The spiritual enemies are lurking at the doors – the flesh, the world, and the devil. Three commands here – watch, stand fast and becoming strong. Build these spiritual habits!